Leon triumphs in 'X Factor' final

Leon Jackson has been crowned winner of The X Factor for 2007, beating long-time bookies' favourite Rhydian Roberts to the title.

The 18-year-old, from Whitburn in Scotland, appeared stunned by the verdict. "It's unreal," he said of his victory, adding that he had "never [thought] in a million years" that he would progress from his initial audition. "I thought I would try my hand at this just to get some experience."

Welsh hopeful Rhydian, who had odds of 1/6 to win the series, said he was pleased with a second place finish. "Some things are meant to be in life," he said. "I can't complain, I have had a lovely time. Congratulations to Leon, he's a great guy and I wish him all the best."

Voting between the two acts - both mentored by Dannii Minogue - had been close all evening, with just one percentage point separating them at their closest.

Earlier in the evening, brother-sister duo Same Difference finished in third place. The pair thanked their supporters, with mentor Simon Cowell giving his tribute to a "genuinely nice" act. "I wouldn't have wanted to work with any other group this series," he said. "It's been a lot of fun."

Leon's first single, a cover of Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston's 'When You Believe', is released on download later this evening, with a physical release following on Wednesday. The track is expected to take the coveted Christmas number one spot next weekend.